“Fortunately, no people other than the four taken to hospital with smoke inhalation were involved.”

“We’re reducing the number of fire engines and crews we have at the scene but we’ll be damping down pockets of fire throughout the morning.”

The fire falls at a devastating time for the popular pub, which had been undergoing redevelopment.

Catford Bridge Tavern was originally known as The Railway, but was renamed the Copperfield in 2011 and became known as a “magnet for troublemakers”. It was then taken over by a company called Antic, renamed, and turned into a thriving community pub until the building bought over by Tesco at the end of 2013 despite a campaign that had the support of politicians.

Michael Nicholas, from Solitaire Restaurants, owner of The Catford Bridge Tavern, said: “ We’re not in a position to comment on the fire, but we are working to ensure that the site is safe and secure.”

“Our intention has always been to reopen the pub and nothing has changed in that regard.”